DENVER | Main Development Thread #6

[Brainpathology]

you guys need to name that block something else. Things that end in "2" are NOT built in Denver.

[The Dirt]

Ha! Well, we usually call it the Makovsky block. He's had a pretty good track record.

[J21bird]

The SkyHouse Denver project officially broke ground this afternoon.

http://bit.ly/1LacYSk

[enjo13]

Here is how construction defect legislation dies.

http://www.reddit.com/r/Colorado/comments/2vowym/builders_vs_homeowners_construction_defects_bill/

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by wong21fr

So, some of the details were released on how the NWSS Complex Redo will be paid for:

How Denver officials will pay for revitalized National Western Stock Show complex


One interesting aspect is that $100M of this funding would go towards improving the Convention Center.

I caught that earlier but didn't have time to fully read or digest it. Having time to ruminate over it... I love it; it is a very impressive plan. I'm happy to give credits to Mayor Hancock and the whole city team along with key parties and place-makers that pulled this vision into a well thought out working plan.

.....
Thanks to denverpost.com (via Google Images)

As I'm sure EngiNerd might suggest "it's an infrastructure project masquerading as a Stock Show complex." It is a rather ingenious way to pay for it however that I hadn't thought of. Normally this strategy is rather voter friendly.

From Cathy Proctor's DBJ article:

"It's a big number, but we have to keep it in perspective with the city's role for being the catalyst in reconnecting the neighborhoods, developing tourism and bringing economic development to our city," Denver Mayor Michael Hancock told the DBJ.

"This is a major investment in infrastructure for this area that hasn't seen much in the past. We can turn that around and leverage it for a new entertainment, education and tourist attraction," he said.

I do have some concern for this idea:

$117 million in RTA funding, via the creation of a massive new tourism zone that encompasses the stock show complex, downtown Denver, hotels near Denver International Airport and the Cherry Creek shopping district.

Is the state really likely to allow Denver to declare all those areas as eligible for the state tax incentive? Regardless, I would think the state could grant money for the stock show related investments one way or the other. I know when Phoenix built their new $600 million convention center the state kicked in half. Given the regional and state impact of the stock show I'd think they would want to help.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by J21bird

The SkyHouse Denver project officially broke ground this afternoon.

http://bit.ly/1LacYSk

Whoa... Yet another official SkyHouse Denver groundbreaking.

.....per horsecollaborative.com

______________________________

Originally Posted by enjo13

Here is how construction defect legislation dies.

http://www.reddit.com/r/Colorado/comments/2vowym/builders_vs_homeowners_construction_defects_bill/

Interesting comments (LOL). Actually some were good on both sides of the issue.

What's clear is that the current law is the wrong fix. How about homeowners having the right to sue the appropriate jurisdiction for "shoddy" oversight? Yeah, fat chance that would happen. I still believe that the current proposal is the best compromise you can expect at the state level. We just can't expect a nanny state; it will not work.

[TakeFive]

Hat Tip to the DBJ for the 9News story by Adele Arakawa about a changing block at West 21st Avenue and Decatur Street in northwest Denver and Gail Wheeler's view as the only holdout to not sell her home.

[COtoOC]

Originally Posted by Fritzdude

I think you mistook East Colfax with West Colfax.

Both have issues, but at least East Colfax has cleaned up quite a bit from downtown out through Quebec. However, going further East on Colfax all the way to Anschutz Medical Campus is sketchy.

Yeah, that's the section of E. Colfax I was talking about loL!. West of Quebec is looking great.

[denconyny]

The Denver City Council

following a marathon public hearing, on Tuesday night, unanimously approved rezoning that will allow a 12-story condominium tower to be built across from Sloan’s Lake.

and

It is believed to be bigger than all of the other condo projects on the drawing board in the entire Denver metro area.

http://insiderealestatenews.com/2015/02/...for-12-story-condo-tower-at-sloans-lake/

Unanimously approved?

Well, a couple of things..... am I being correct in perceiving maybe a not so fiery NIMBY resistance here - maybe due to the fact that these are condo units, rather than for rent? And probably they will be expensive.... the lake location (location, location) gives them added value, IMHO..... while not at all far from DT or a lot of other parts of the city.

And will this approach the developers (NAVA) are taking here.... being involved with this International Well Building Institute

http://wellcertified.com/well-building-standard/projects/

somehow allow them to be able to construct a condo building here in Colorado of 'exceptional' quality standard (which buildings should be anyhow) so that in the end there will stand a quality building with no defects.... so that the developers can avoid being sued? Hmmmm....? ok... nah... if there's even a single lawyer in this town when the project is finished.... there'll probably be a lawsuit......

Well, anywhos.... it looks like an early 2016 start, with an expected 2017 when units will be ready......

[TakeFive]

denconyny... Very nice project.

Interesting and cool that Trevor Hines is the son of Gerald Hines. I'm sure they're hoping that the construction-defects law will be passed but it's also easy-to-understand that he would make darn sure his project is sound. He's got the Hines tradition to uphold.

"WELL building" sounds like an alternative to a LEED's certification. I'd have no opinion about that.

Looks like many supporters, both residents and businesses, were motivated by hope it would be part of a catalyst to improve West Colfax. Makes good sense.

[EngiNerd]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

Hat Tip to the DBJ for the 9News story by Adele Arakawa about a changing block at West 21st Avenue and Decatur Street in northwest Denver and Gail Wheeler's view as the only holdout to not sell her home.

Ugh, read the comments if you want some entertainment for the evening.

[TakeFive]

^^ Haha, entertaining indeed. Never read comments there; you have to click to find em. But only one obligatory Obama comment; I was impressed by that (LOL).

I can recall people wanting to "close the gates" back in the early 80's; few years later there were see thru buildings downtown. Always interesting.

[BG918]

Originally Posted by denconyny

The Denver City Council

following a marathon public hearing, on Tuesday night, unanimously approved rezoning that will allow a 12-story condominium tower to be built across from Sloan’s Lake.

and

It is believed to be bigger than all of the other condo projects on the drawing board in the entire Denver metro area.

So this is at the top left (northwest corner) of the site plan below at 17th & Stuart...looks nice and it will have some great views of the lake, mountains and skyline:


http://sloansdenver.com

I was over in that area earlier today and construction is underway on Blocks 5 & 6 which will be apartments:


The Alamo Drafthouse will be the first commercial project to open later this year on the block fronting Colfax between Stuart and Raleigh:


That neighborhood has a ton of new residential construction going on, entire blocks are brand new townhomes or new ones going up.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by BG918

That neighborhood has a ton of new residential construction going on, entire blocks are brand new townhomes or new ones going up.

Are you looking at south of 20th, 24th or west of Tennyson, Lowell mostly?

[BG918]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

Are you looking at south of 20th, 24th or west of Tennyson, Lowell mostly?

Yes centered on 23rd between Lowell and I-25. Outside of Stapleton it might be the most active residential construction area in Denver.

[DownhomeDenver]

Based on the activity at the site today at 17th and Wewatta, I believe this project has broken ground.

[seventwenty]

Oh yeah, this happened last week. SB 15-177: A BILL FOR AN ACT CONCERNING PREREQUISITES TO THE AUTHORITY OF A UNIT OWNERS' ASSOCIATION TO PURSUE RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES INVOLVING CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS.

Bill.

Session history.

Summary from CML.

Bill supporting legal blog

HOA supporters comments

Colorado Statesman

[seventwenty]

And Lone Tree passed a defects reform ordinance.

Will cross-post.

[DenverInfill]

Originally Posted by DownhomeDenver

Based on the activity at the site today at 17th and Wewatta, I believe this project has broken ground.

They have. I've been in contact with Holland. There will be a press release soon so we're waiting on that before posting on DI. In May there will be formal groundbreaking ceremony.

[bcp]

of all the projects in the valley..i gotta think this one is the most transformative outside of DUS. full block, fronts 17th, 3 towers, grocery...yeah.